Child Abuse Leaves Lasting Biological Scars on the Brain and DNA

Image credit: kjpargeter via Freepik. Article by Yuuka Kawamoto. Neuroscience News – October 16, 2025. Research article: Molecular Psychiatry.

Summary: New research reveals that child maltreatment leaves measurable biological “scars” on DNA, altering brain structure and function. Using a genome-wide epigenetic analysis, scientists identified four key methylation sites—ATE1, SERPINB9P1, CHST11, and FOXP1—linked to maltreatment. Changes in FOXP1 were especially important, correlating with reduced gray matter in brain regions tied to emotion and memory. These findings highlight how early trauma imprints itself on both biology and behavior, paving the way for early detection and trauma-informed care. […]

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